Tagged With "project insights"
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Virtual Town Hall 5/21: Hurricane Preparedness in the Wake of COVID-19
When?: 5/21/2020, 1 PM - 2:30 PM ET Registration Information Available Here Hurricane Preparedness in the Wake of COVID-19, Virtual Town Hall is co-sponsored by EDEN and eXtension , in collaboration with Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC). Having a shared space to discuss ideas, best practices, and network is invaluable. The goal of this virtual event is to highlight the work cooperative extension is doing, while also receiving valuable insight on the...
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REACHING TEN MILLION ENGAGED YOUTH WITH EXTENSION
The Cooperative Extension system has a vision of reaching 10 million youth annually through the 4-H program by the year 2025. The goal is to create opportunities for more youth to access 4-H and benefit from positive youth development (PYD) programs that lead to improved economic prosperity and quality of life outcomes for the youth of our nation. A Leading Edge Dialogue (LED) was held on this topic during the 2019 National Urban Extension Conference. The purpose of this LED session was to...
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In Case You Missed It! - Unpacking the Content Creation Process Webinar
Yesterday afternoon Nathan Hermond with Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension and Kara Maddox with the National Pesticide Safety Education Center hosted a webinar on how we transformed existing Cooperative Extension content into an engaging Pollinator Prep Guide designed for Millennials and their families. Click here to watch the recording today! In the webinar, we spoke about the nifty poll featured offered by 99designs - as well as the ability to start a competition among...
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Market Research: The tool in your toolbelt you didn't know you had...or needed
Join the Weather Ready Farms group on Connect Extension Here We often hear the term “needs assessment” in Extension work. It’s an important pillar in a strong Extension program. As Extension professionals, we need to know about learners’ needs that can be potentially filled by our work. It’s important we conduct needs assessments to identify the “difference, or gap, between what is and what should be – or what is reasonably possible,” (NDSU Extension, n.d.). Conducting needs assessments...
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ICYMI - From "Me" to "We" TEAMWORK
Thanks so much for joining us for this 3-part series on Values, Trust & Teamwork! We sincerely hope it helps you rethink, reinvent & relay the way leadership is realized for yourself, your team & your organization. If you couldn't be with us here are some of the resources from the "Teamwork" session... Google's "Project Aristotle" Patrick Lencioni on the foundation of "teamwork" Bobby McFerrin " plays " the audience at the World Science Festival Watch the "Teamwork" session here...
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ICYMI: Accelerate Your Projects and Programs: A Discussion on the New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) Nomination Process for 2020-2021
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to sit down and talk with eXtension Catalyst Team members @Scott Reed , @Jimmy Henning , and @Fred Schlutt for an overview of the New Technologies for Ag Extension Nomination process, wrap-around services provided to projects, goals, outcomes, and how eXtension is able to help accelerate projects and programs through NTAE. This opportunity is available to ALL Cooperative Extension professionals, not just those from eXtension member institutions. Thank you to...
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Digital Technology eFieldbook Webinar Shares Project Info & Findings
More than three dozen Cooperative Extension professionals joined in a webinar to learn more about eXtension's new Using Digital Technology eFieldbook . @ashleygriffin @Jerry Thomas and @rosehayden-smith offered a panel discussion that explored the eFieldbook content and features, the Fellowship project (including professional development activities), lessons learned, and findings from the eXtension Technology Futuring Project. The eFieldbook was produced as part of of eXtension’s New...
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Community Catalyst Webinar Series for Extension Professionals
Please join us for an upcoming six-part webinar series exclusively designed for you, the Extension professional . This series features leaders and researchers from Iowa, Oregon, and Virginia who can help you transform your work with data-driven learning and discovery. This vibrant dialogue will provide you with tools to maximize your time, develop responsive programs using data insights, and foster impact in collaboration with communities. Visit this page to register . After participating in...
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Organizations Partner to Combat the Digital Divide by Launching Searchable Wi-Fi Map for Needed Broadband Connections
American Connection Project organizations launch an interactive tool for users to locate more than 2,300 free Wi-Fi locations in 49 states ARDEN HILLS, MINN. (October 20, 2020) – Several partner organizations today announced the launch of the American Connection Project (ACP) interactive Wi-Fi map. The map provides a free resource to help the public locate more than 2,300 free Wi-Fi locations across 49 U.S. states. The map includes Wi-Fi locations from Land O’Lakes, Inc. and its ag retail...
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NEW! Assistant Project Director for Immunization Education
Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) Assistant Project Director for Immunization Education Position Description This project is a collaborative effort among the Extension Committee on Policy (ECOP), eXtension, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It grew out of efforts undertaken by the ECOP Health Innovation Task Force. eXtension anticipates receiving funding for Immunization Education efforts. Key Extension leaders on this project...
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New! Extension Foundation Project Management Assistant
The Extension Foundation is seeking an individual to assist in the management of projects, project communications, management of the project database, and general support. This contract is 1 FTE and will include supporting the work of the Extension Foundation Project Management Specialist, Partnership Development Specialist, and Leadership Development Specialist. This position will assist the leadership of people, teams, and partners with communications and project management support. This...
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Connecticut Agriculture is Showcased in UConn Students’ Documentary
'Completely Connecticut Agriculture' explores the creativity and resilience of Connecticut farmers It’s easy to take our food supply for granted while strolling through the abundant aisles of a grocery store. We do not often consider how our food gets to the store or where it comes from. A group of students in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is bridging the communication gap between agriculture and consumers in their documentary film, Completely...
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2 things to make your team better...today!
As fun as it might be to live in the magical world of Harry Potter, sadly we don't. And there's no "silver bullet" to fix issues. If you're someone who knows your team can be better and wants it to be better, here are a two that will help quickly! Make RECOGNITION a resource This goes way beyond just saying "thanks" to a team member. Developing the ability to both give & receive gratitude authentically is a must. These human skills are a great way to increase psychological safety on your...
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Seeking Extension Educators/Agents who work or have worked with farm families touched by Alzheimer's/dementia
Over 6 million individuals currently live with dementia – a brain disorder characterized by progressive decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other cognitive domains. Recent work has shown that relative to other occupations, older adults with longest-held jobs in agriculture experience greater odds of developing dementia. Given the hazardous nature of agriculture, the impact of dementia and cognitive impairment on older agricultural workers and their families is an area of public...
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3 Naturally Occuring Things
"Three things happen naturally in organizations; friction, confusion & underperformance. Everything else requires leadership." -Peter Drucker Friction happens when people don’t understand one another Interpersonal issues are present Confusion happens as a result of poor communication Team goals are unclear Underperformance happens when people aren’t engaged Skill-set mismatch The thing to keep in mind here is that these things “happen naturally”. It’s nobody’s fault. Take a deep breath!
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Extension in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Chuck Hibberd
Dr. Chuck Hibberd. Image Credit: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Charles "Chuck" Hibberd is an emeritus professor of the University of Nebraska, where he held several academic positions, including Dean of Cooperative Extension. His email tagline reads "Chuck Hibberd, retired Extensi on Director (but not done yet)." He directed the University's Panhandle Research and Extension Center for 13 years. Chuck also served as Extension director, associate dean of agriculture, and assistant vice...
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Virtual and In-Person Volunteer in Trinidad and Tobago
While some travel restrictions are still in effect, there are opportunities for virtual and/or in-person volunteer through USAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) project in Trinidad and Tobago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, how we implement the F2F program has had to adjust and is temporarily offering virtual/remote assignments that will meet the needs of Trinbagonians. Currently, the borders are open to visitors and they are currently distributing COVID vaccines with the hopes of vaccinating ~70%...
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You do what?
Whether you're in a "leadership" position or are leading from another spot in the organization, everyone has responsibilities. Responsibilities to understand the requirements of leading that help everyone with expectation setting. If part of your duties include caring for others, the following likely show up in your everyday collaborations! THE "WHAT" Primary Leadership Tasks Vision – Set the general tone, direction Management – Set goals and focus resources Empowerment – Select and develop...
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Upcoming Self-Care Workshop for Military & Veteran TBI Caregivers
The Military Families Learning Network (MFLN) is partnering with the Defense Health Agency’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE) at 11:00 AM ET on November 30, 2021 for an interactive self-care workshop for military and veteran traumatic brain injury (TBI) caregivers. RSVP to join at Military and Veteran TBI Caregivers . Presenters will provide education and insight into TBI caregiver resources, common concerns, self-care strategies, research, and best practices to improve...
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Project Accelerator Leads to New Grant and Ongoing Partnership
A new USDA-NIFA funded project will develop cohorts of 4-H youth and create biotechnology video games. The games will convey fun and science-based information about biotechnology such as genetic engineering. They will also build public confidence in the safe use of biotechnology in agriculture and the food system. The project will also provide education to youth on career opportunities. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension , together with faculty members of other departments in...
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Helping Youth to Go Green
Many of us have heard the phrases “go green,” “eco-friendly,” and “sustainable lifestyle” tossed around. But what do these phrases mean and how do they affect us, the planet, and other living organisms? When we are living sustainably we are living in harmony with our natural environment and all living creatures. This is a big goal!! A good place to start with sustainable living is to look at a single day. How do you get around? How many items do you use? What food do you eat? Ohio State...
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Teamwork Part 1: Making Recognition a Resource
If anyone knows about leadership & teamwork it was Pat Summit, Hall of Fame basketball coach from the University of Tennessee. In her book "Reach for the Summit" she says: “The amount of success you are capable of enjoying and the pleasure you are capable of feeling is equal to the number of people you are willing to share it with.” Sharing doesn’t come naturally though. We’ve all seen this when we watch kids playing; the crying starts when they have to share their favorite toy. Diagnose...
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Re: Teamwork Part 1: Making Recognition a Resource
As a former college basketball player, Pat Head Summit was an inspiration to so many! Teamwork has been a major part of my entire life...we must work together to accomplish and succeed. Thanks for this article!
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Virtual chat recap: Watershed education, outreach, and engagement
In this virtual chat, we discussed opportunities and challenges related to watershed education and outreach, exploring how Extension can support our audiences with resources and programming to build local capacity. As part of a New Technologies for Agricultural Extension Accelerator Program project , University of Minnesota Extension Educators are building a website, called the Watershed Engagement Programming (WEP) Hub, to support local government (e.g. Soil & Water Conservation...
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Teamwork Part 5: Make a difference together!
Have a confession to make. This 5-part series on teamwork has been based on the research of Google's " Project Aristotle " with some of my own tidbits thrown in for fun! The story of the stonemasons is perfect for setting up the final aspect of highly effective teams. A man was walking by a huge construction project. He came upon a worker and asked what he was doing. He replied, “I’m making a living” . Curious, the man kept walking. Soon he came upon another worker and asked him what he was...
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Getting to the Heart of the Matter: COVID-19 Vaccination Education Survey
Cooperative Extension professionals across the system and at all levels are invited to share their opinions and experiences regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccination education. This project is sponsored by the Extension Foundation and the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE). Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow Center for Media & Health Promotion Research , WSU Extension , and the WSU College of Education are conducting a needs...
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Keeping the (Social) Work Growing this Month and Onward
The services provided by social workers are crucial to creating and cultivating individual and family wellness. During this time of insurmountable stressors at home and abroad, social workers are pillars in providing vital mental health and behavioral health services. Services that can aid family members in navigating daily anxiety, worry, and trauma. National Social Work Month March was Social Work Month, and the 2022 theme is The Time is Right for Social Work. Over the past three years,...
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New Project Videos on the EXCITE Dashboard
EXCITE announces a new interactive Dashboard that displays data of the 72 "Education" programs and 24 "Pilot Projects" of the EXCITE program. This Dashboard was created so anyone can view details and data of their local Extension immunization education projects. The Dashboard data and videos communicate EXCITE's reach, value, and story. The project videos help showcase the success multiple institutions across diverse populations have had in reaching and educating their audience despite the...
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Summer Self-Care Webinar Series
The Community Seminar Series: Summer Self-Care What topics are covered in the series? Summer is busy, and it's easy to forget to take care of ourselves while we try to juggle what everyone else needs. Researchers from University of Illinois can help guide your summer health choices. Find a session that's perfect for you, or participate in all of them. Summer Self-Care is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension and the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute as part of...
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Here’s the best stuff I heard from the NTAE Showcase...by Catalyst Dr. Scott Reed
On September 22nd, a "showcase" for NTAE year three projects was held to recognize their outstanding work over the past year. The NTAE teams presented an overview of their project f or past and current NTAE teams, Directors & Admin, NTAE grant support staff, Extension Foundation staff, and others. Following the presentation, the Extension Foundation Catalyst Scott Reed sent teams observations from the project showcase and words of inspiration. After hearing from all the project teams Dr.
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What to Expect from the OneOp PSB-CY Clinical Assessment and Treatment Overview Courses
Our Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) Overview Course Series has officially launched! To access the courses, go to our OneOp PSB-CY Overview Courses page and click on the purple Course Enrollment button. These four asynchronous courses mark the next phase of programming in our OneOp Sexual Behavior of Children and Youth Series . With this recent launch, we at OneOp Family Development wanted to give our participants a preview of what they can expect to learn within...
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2022 Program Center Stage
The Extension Foundation 's Program Center Stage series had a great first year , highlighting programs that are doing impactful work across the system . Throughout the year , the series featured Southern University Ag Center Emergency Prep ared ness Response & Recovery , J UN T OS 4-H, New Technologies for Ag Extension ( N TA E ), Extension Collabor ation on Immun ization Education ( EX C ITE ), North Star Legacy Communities , Utah ’ s Remote Work Online Initiative Program , P estic ide...
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Happiness Power!
Is your goal to have a little success each day? Can probably guess you said "yes"! In one of my favorite Ted Talks , Shawn Achor says every time we experience some success we move the goalpost for what it means to us. AND...if our overall happiness is connected with that success, it's likely we never get there. What? We're undermining our own happiness? In his happiness research, he's discovered our brains work in the opposite way. A "happiness advantage" can occur when we raise our level of...
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2023 Extension Foundation Professional Development for Members
We are excited to invite you to join the Extension Foundation for our 2023 professional development events and offerings. We strive to provide relevant educational and professional resources to all our members. This year, we are offering an array of professional development and leadership development opportunities to learn new skills, enhance leadership potential, network with other professionals, and uplift the impactful work happening across the system! Professional Development Members...
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ICYMI - Recommended Summer Reading from Extension Foundation
The Extension Foundation has recently released several new and previously published titles on various topics, from climate and extreme weather to building farm and farm family resilience. Check out our bookshelf to learn more about what other Extension professionals are doing in their work. ICYMI, here are a few recent titles that may interest you. Program Planning and Team Building: If you’re using the summer to plan upcoming Extension programs, take a peek at Engaged Program Planning for...
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Extension Climate & Extreme Weather Programming: Successes, Challenges & Opportunities Report Available
Extension Climate & Extreme Weather Programming: Successes, Challenges & Opportunities , a report published in 2020, is now available in a flipping book format. This report - produced in response to an Extension Foundation RFP - contains a national inventory of Cooperative Extension programs and practices in climate and extreme weather. The report and included database provide insight into the successes, challenges, and opportunities for programming in this area and offer conclusions...
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Uplifting the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Youth
An estimated 5% of the 1.76 million youth in military families identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer. Surveyed LGBTQ youth with a parent currently serving in the military that experienced high levels of family support reported lower mental health challenges and suicide risk ( Trevor Project, 2022 ). When youth feel safe at home, their mental wellness is significantly improved. Fostering healthy family relationships translates into protective factors for younger and older...
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#GoodReads from Extension Foundation
The Extension Foundation has recently released several new titles on a broad range of topics, from climate and extreme weather to building farm and farm family resilience. Check out our bookshelf to learn more about the work other Extension professionals are doing. ICYMI, here are a few recent titles that may interest you. Sustainable Tourism, Agritourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Development. Our newest title is The NET Effect . This 57-page ezine contains eight case studies that...
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Evaluating a System-wide Project: An interview with the EXCITE evaluation team!
We are excited to have Isabel Osborne and Laura Downey to discuss their involvement in the evaluation and reporting process for the system-wide Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) Project. Isabel and Laura have been integral in developing a comprehensive and dynamic system for evaluating the EXCITE project's progress and success. Q: Isabelle and Laura, could you please tell us about yourselves and the roles you play in the evaluation team? Laura: Great.
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EXCITE Pilot Project Celebration & Wrap-up
The Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) project held its final Strategy Session, marking the last time the EXCITE pilot projects will meet before concluding their projects. This event signifies the end of a two-year effort aimed at bringing Immunization Education to Extension communities. During the session, the EXCITE Program team members, EXCITE teams, and partners gathered together to celebrate the project's efforts. The success of this project is a...
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Unique Strengths of the EXCITE Project: Partnerships
The Extension Collaboration for Immunization, Teaching, and Engagement ( EXCITE ) project was created to reduce vaccine hes it ancy in rural and medically unders erved communities . Fund ed by the CDC through an Inter agency Agreement with USDA N IFA and a cooperative agreement with the Extension Foundation , the team has four goals : reduce hes it ancy, increase communication between populations and health systems , increase accessibility to clinics and help implement public health programs...
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June Check in: Recap of this Year's Program Center Stage Webinars!
Cooperative Extension implements community-driven impactful programming across the system. To showcase these programs, the Extension Foundation hosts a monthly series called Program Center Stage , which invites Extension teams from diverse areas to spotlight their programs and project methods, strategies, and impacts. This series serves as a platform for Extension professionals and partners to connect with these programs, gain insights and explore opportunities for collaboration or program...
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Re: Holiday Shopping with a Financial Mind$et
Deon, that is a great key point about gifting. But who are the people or even age groups that are really bent on reducing their budget for gifts during the holiday amid inflation pressure? There is so much room for a whole new discussion that could be taken in so many directions. I am leading a first-year college class on how price consciousness has become a defining characteristic of consumer behavior in a few weeks; let me know if you are interested in collaborating. Thanks for the insight!
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Re: Moving the Needle on Racial Equity in Extension, Part 1 of 3
This well-written and insight-filled article has my mind whirling on a Monday morning! Such excellent work, thank you for sharing and modeling.
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"Cheesy" Advice
On some recent trips, my wife was administering health screenings at two of the factories in the largest cheese-manufacturing company in the world, Leprino Foods has 5,500 employees in 19 locations around the globe. You've probably eaten their product without even knowing. Hang on to your organizational health hats! One of the leaders in this area, Patrick Lencioni, would be proud! Back to my wife's experience... Her time at their factories was very similar despite the locations being far...
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2023 Extension Foundation Professional Development Needs Assessment Report
This work was supported through funding from USDA-NIFA, New Technologies for Ag Extension , grant number 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the study was to identify professional development needs for Extension professionals at 1862, 1890, and 1994...
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EXCITE Year 2 Report Highlights: A Nationwide Success in Immunization Engagement
In its second year, the Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) project—a joint initiative between the CDC and Cooperative Extension—reached major milestones. It successfully concluded two projects and developed a science communication toolkit to assist Extension professionals in immunization education. Facilitated through partnerships with USDA-NIFA, CDC, and the Extension Foundation, the program effectively mobilized the Extension system to address a...
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EXCITE Adult Vaccination Project
The Virginia Cooperative Extension EXCITE Team and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) conducted a symposium on November 3rd, 2023 to discuss the EXCITE project funded through CDC and ways that Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents could get involved in vaccine education! This session introduced our vaccine ambassadors and their roles in their respective localities, provided background on adult vaccinations and the current vaccination schedule, and discussed approaches to communicating...
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Empower Your Team with the Healthy Teams Handbook: Build and Maintain High-Performing Collaborations
Take your teamwork to the next level with the Healthy Teams Handbook ! This guide, developed by Extension Foundation’s leadership development specialist Karl Bradley, offers practical strategies and insights to build and maintain high-performing collaborative teams. Originally crafted to support New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) project teams, this updated handbook is now available to help all Extension professionals. Unlock the Secrets of Success The Healthy Teams Handbook is...
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Request for Applications: EXCITE Bridge Access Project Now Available!
EXCITE: Bridge Access Project: Access the full RFA and application guide here ELIGIBILITY: The EXCITE Bridge Access Project is available for USDA NIFA EFNEP, and EXCITE Implementation Phase teams that submitted an Indication of Interest form for the Bridge Access Project in December 2023. This is a noncompetitive funding opportunity. AWARD AMOUNT: $30,000 for EXCITE Implementation Phase teams and $72,000 for EFNEP teams. TIMELINE: Application Open: March 26, 2024 Application Deadline: April...